Salvador (Brazil), June 14 (IANS) Holders Spain were humiliated 1-5 by the Netherlands in the first match of Group B in the 2014 FIFA World Cup at the Arena Fonte Nova here Friday.
In a repeat of the 2010 South Africa finals, Spain failed to contain the Dutch counter attack play and were decimated in the second half.
Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso opened the scoring with a 27th penalty.
It was a Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben show after that. Van Persie equalised in the 44th minute with a brilliant diving header while Robben’s mesmerising skills helped him give the Dutch the lead in the 53rd minute.
Van Persie made it 3-1 in the 72nd minute and Robben grabbed his brace in the 80th minute.
Stefan de Vrij also got his name on the scoresheet in the 65th minute, bundling in a corner.
FIFA World Cup: Netherlands thrash Spain 5-1 added by Indian newspaper Sydney on
View all posts by Indian newspaper Sydney →